What is scaling and root planing and why is it done?

What is scaling and root planing and why is it done?

Root planing is a technique performed in the dental office to stop the adverse effects of periodontal disease. The procedure cleans below the gumline and smoothes the roots. When the roots are smoothed, the gums will usually reattach to the root stopping the bacteria from spreading. Scaling and root planing can stop and reverse some of the damage done by periodontal disease.